Murba'at al-Qabr Pillar: Difference between revisions

  | title = Murba'at al-Qabr Pillar  

  | status = This pillar is inside the Prophet's darih (shrine) and out of reach of pilgrims

 

'''Murba'at al-Qabr Pillar''' (Arabic: {{ia|مُربَعَه القبر}}) is one of the pillars of [[al-Masjid al-Nabawi]], is situated adjacent to the [[Prophet's grave]] and the door to [[Fatima's house]]. Some believe its name Murba'at al-Qabr is derived from its proximity to the square-shaped grave of the Prophet. Others associate it with the pillar's enclosure within the shrine. It is also called Maqam Jibra'il (Gabriel) Pillar, Because Gabriel descended upon the Prophet (s) at this very spot. Furthermore, it is referred to as al-Ma'ras pillar. Performing prayers at this location is highly recommended.

 

==Location==

 

This pillar is located near the entrance to Lady Fatima's house, aligned with the [[al-Wufud Pillar]] and the [[al-Mahras Pillar]].<ref>Samhūdī,  ''Wafāʾ al-wafā'', vol. 2, p. 186.</ref> It is now enclosed within the shrine, at the northern end of the noble chamber, and is thus out of sight for pilgrims.<ref>Qāʾidān, ''Tārīkh wa āthār-i Islāmi Makka wa Madīna'', p.194.</ref>

 

According to historical accounts, this pillar remained outside the shrine and accessible to pilgrims until [[the mosque's expansion under Qaitbay]] (d. 887/1482-3). However, despite the objections of scholars, it was placed inside the shrine during this period.<ref>Rafʿat Pāshā, ''Mirʾāt al-ḥaramayn'', vol. 3, p. 239; Yamānī, ''Mawsūʿa makka al-mukarrama'', vol. 2, p. 447.</ref>

===Murba'at al-Qabr===

The reason for this name is that, according to Ibn Shahrashub, when Imam Ali (a), along with three of the Muhajirun, al-'Abbas, his son al-Fadl, and Usama b. Zayd, wanted to bury the noble body of the Prophet (s), the Ansar asked Imam Ali (a) to allow one of them to enter the grave to assist in the burial. Imam Ali (s) sent [[Aws b. Khawli]] into the grave. After placing the blessed body of the Prophet in the grave, Imam Ali (a) told Aws, "Exit and make the grave square."<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 1, p. 174; Shurrāb, ''Al- maʿālim al-ʾathīra'', p. 39.</ref> Another reason for this name is that the pillar is located within a shrine that encloses the Prophet's square-shaped tomb.<ref>Shurrāb, ''Al- maʿālim al-ʾathīra'', p. 39.</ref>

 

 

This pillar gained this name because it is believed that the Angel Gabriel descended upon the Prophet (s) at this very spot.<ref>Yamānī, ''Mawsūʿa makka al-mukarrama'', vol. 2, p. 446; Samhūdī,  ''Wafāʾ al-wafā'', vol. 2, p. 186.</ref>

 

 

 

 

This pillar is located in the northwest corner of the Prophet's tomb, and according to Sabri Pasha, it was situated between the [[al-Wufud Pillar]] and the Prophet's tomb, adjacent to the house of Fatima.<ref>Rafʿat Pāshā, ''Mirʾāt al-ḥaramayn'', vol. 3, p. 238-239</ref> Some reports suggest that the wedding of Lady Fatima took place at this location, hence the alternative name "al-Ma'ras Pillar" (the wedding pillar).<ref>Yamānī, ''Mawsūʿa makka al-mukarrama'', vol. 2, p. 446.</ref>

There are numerous hadiths extolling the virtues of this pillar, recommending prayer<ref>Samhūdī,  ''Wafāʾ al-wafā'', vol. 2, p. 187.</ref> at this location and considering seeking blessings from it as meritorious.<ref>Amīnī, ''Al-Ghadīr'', vol. 5, p. 124; Subḥānī, ''Al-Zīyāra fī al-kitā wa al-sunna'', p. 40.</ref> According to a narration, the Prophet (s) would stand beside this pillar for 40 days, place his hand on the doorframe of Fatima's house, and say: "Peace be upon you, O people of the house," ({{ia|السّلام عليكم يا أهل البيت}}) followed by the verse of purification (Quran 33:33).<ref>Samhūdī,  ''Wafāʾ al-wafā'', vol. 2, p. 187.</ref> Another narration states that the Messenger of Allah would knock on the door of Fatima and Ali's house daily, saying: "Prayer, prayer."<ref>Rafʿat Pāshā, ''Mirʾāt al-ḥaramayn'', vol. 3, p. 238-239; Samhūdī,  ''Wafāʾ al-wafā'', vol. 2, p. 187; Samhūdī,  ''Wafāʾ al-wafā'', vol. 2, p. 187</ref>